Separation membrane module

ABSTRACT

A separation membrane module may decrease a bending load applied to a support member supporting ends of tubular separation membranes and omission of a seal member between the outer circumferential surface of the support member and the inner circumferential surface of a housing. The separation membrane module may include a tubular housing, tubular separation membranes arranged in a longitudinal direction of the housing, end tubes connected to lower ends of the tubular separation membranes, a support box supporting the end tubes, and a backpressure chamber below the support box. The tubular separation membranes may be in communication with a support box collection chamber. A nozzle disposed on the support box may extract permeated fluid. A chamber and the backpressure chamber are in communication via a gap between the support box outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface. The chamber and backpressure chamber have substantially the same pressure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation based on U.S. application Ser. No. 17/128,585, filed Dec. 21, 2020, and published as US 202110170339 A1, which was bypass continuation of international application PCT/JP2019/025129, filed on Jun. 25, 2019, claiming the benefit of the filing date of Japanese Appl. No. 2018-121043, filed on Jun. 26, 2018, the content of each of which is incorporated by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Technical Field

The present invention relates to a separation membrane module that is used to separate a component part from a fluid such as a solution or mixed gas.

Background Art

A known apparatus for separating a component in a solution or mixed gas is a separation membrane module. A tubular separation membrane that is used in the separation membrane module includes a tubular porous support and a porous separation membrane that is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the support and that is composed of, for example, zeolite. Known methods of separating a specific component from a fluid such as a solution or mixed gas include a method of vaporizing and separating the specific component by bringing the fluid of the solution into a side (an outer surface) of a separation membrane element and decreasing the pressure of the other side (an inner surface), a method of separating the specific component by vaporizing the solution into gas, bringing the gas into the separation membrane, and decreasing the pressure of a non-contact surface, and a method of separating the specific component by bringing the pressurized mixed gas into the separation membrane.

JP2016-155093 A (particularly in FIG. 6(a)) discloses that a separation membrane module includes a tubular housing that is disposed in the vertical direction and tubular separation membranes that are arranged in the vertical direction in the housing, end tubes are connected to lower end portions of the tubular separation membranes, the end tubes protrude from the upper surface of a support plate that is installed such that the support plate crosses the housing, insertion holes are formed on the upper surface of the support plate, and the end tubes are inserted into the insertion holes.

Gas that has permeated through the tubular separation membranes flows into an outflow chamber below the support plate and is retrieved from the outlet chamber via an outlet.

In a structure in JP2016-155093A in which the end tubes that are connected to the lower ends of the tubular separation membranes are inserted into the insertion holes of the support plate, and the end tubes are supported by a support box, pressure in the outlet chamber below the support plate is lower than pressure in a fluid-processing chamber above the support plate, and a large bending load is applied to the support plate.

The structure in JP2016-155093A needs sufficient sealing between the outer circumferential surface of the support plate and the inner circumferential surface of the housing in order to prevent gas in a fluid-processing chamber above the support plate from passing through a space between the outer circumferential surface of the support plate and the inner circumferential surface of the housing and leaking to the outlet chamber.

In the case where the modules are installed in series, the structure in JP2016-155093A also needs a pipe that is interposed between the modules.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a separation membrane module that enables a bending load that is applied to a support that supports ends of tubular separation membranes to be decreased, that enables a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the support and the inner circumferential surface of a housing to be omitted, and that enables a bundle of the membranes to be installed in series in the single module without using a pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The separation membrane module of the present invention comprises: a tubular housing; and tubular separation membranes that are arranged in the housing in a longitudinal direction of the housing, a fluid to be processed flowing through a fluid-processing chamber inside the housing in a direction from one end toward another end of the chamber, the fluid that has permeated through the tubular separation membranes being retrieved via the tubular separation membranes, and an end portion of each tubular separation membrane being supported by a support that is installed in the housing such that the support extends to cross the housing, wherein the separation membrane module further comprises: a collection chamber that is defined in the support and that is in communication with an inside of each of the tubular separation membranes; a retrieving member that retrieves the fluid in the collection chamber to outside of the housing; a backpressure chamber that is defined between the support and an end portion of the housing; and a communication portion that communicates an inside of the backpressure chamber to the fluid-processing chamber.

In one aspect of the present invention, the communication portion is a gap between an outer circumferential surface of the support and an inner circumferential surface of the housing.

In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of tubular separation membrane units are disposed in the housing, each unit including the support and the tubular separation membranes connected thereto; and the collection chamber of the tubular separation membrane unit nearest to the backpressure chamber is communicated to the collection chamber of the other tubular separation membrane unit via a connection.

In one aspect of the present invention, the connection is a nozzle that extends from the support.

In one aspect of the present invention, the nozzle extends from each support, and the nozzle of the tubular separation membrane unit and the nozzle of the tubular separation membrane unit adjacent thereto are coupled with each other.

In one aspect of the present invention, the separation membrane module further comprises a bearing that bears the nozzle on the inner circumferential surface of the housing.

In one aspect of the present invention, the bearing includes a rolling element that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing and that is capable of rolling.

In one aspect of the present invention, the rolling element is elastically pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the housing, e.g., by an elastic member.

In one aspect of the present invention, a post, or other deformation-preventing structure, that prevents the support from deforming is disposed in the collection chamber.

In one aspect of the present invention, the collection chamber is defined by two or more parts.

In a separation membrane module according to the present invention, the backpressure chamber is defined between the support and an end portion of the housing, the backpressure chamber is in communication with the fluid-processing chamber, and pressure in the backpressure chamber and pressure in the fluid-processing chamber are substantially the same. For this reason, a bending load that is applied to the support due to the pressure of a fluid to be processed is eliminated or very small. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to dispose a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the support and the inner circumferential surface of the backpressure chamber. The separation membrane module according to the present invention has the collection chamber in which a component part in the fluid to be processed that has permeated through the tubular separation membranes is collected. Accordingly, bundles can be installed in series in the single module, and there is no need for a pipe that is needed for an existing module. Accordingly, costs can be reduced, installation can be facilitated, and maintenance can be facilitated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a separation membrane module according to an embodiment taken along the axis of a housing;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of end tubes and a support box;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the axis of the housing of a separation membrane module according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating another support mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a part of a separation membrane module according to another embodiment taken along the axis of the housing;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating of another form of a part in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 11 a is a sectional view illustrating another form for FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 b is a sectional view taken along line XIb-XIb in FIG. 11 a:

FIG. 12 illustrates a longitudinal section of a support box that includes a deformation-preventing structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A separation membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 .

A separation membrane module 1 includes a housing 2 that has a cylindrical tube shape a cylinder axis direction of which coincides with the vertical direction, tubular separation membranes 3 that are arranged parallel to the axis of the housing 2, a support box 5 that is disposed in a lower portion in the housing 2 and that serves as a support, a bottom cover 6A that is mounted on the lower end of the housing 2, a top cover 6B that is mounted on the upper end, a first baffle (a baffle plate) 7 and a second baffle (a baffle plate) 8 that are parallel to the support box 5 and that are disposed in the lower portion and an upper portion in the housing 2, and so on. The first baffle 7 is disposed above the support box 5.

According to the embodiment, flanges 2 a, 2 b, 6 b, and 6 c that extend outward are disposed on the lower end and the upper end of the housing 2 and the outer edges of the bottom cover 6A and the top cover 6B, and these are secured with bolts (not illustrated).

A gap through which gas can flow is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the support box 5 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2. The support box 5 is placed on support 2 t that project from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2. A backpressure chamber 16 is between the support box 5 and the bottom cover 6A. The backpressure chamber 16 is in communication with a chamber 11 above the support box 5 via the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the support box 5 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2.

According to the embodiment, end tubes 4 are coupled with the lower ends of the tubular separation membranes 3. End plugs 20 are coupled with the upper ends of the tubular separation membranes 3. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , the number of the tubular separation membranes illustrated is 7. However, a large number of the tubular separation membranes are actually provided as illustrated in FIG. 4 .

In FIG. 1 , each tubular separation membrane 3 has a single body. However, multiple tubular separation membranes 3, for example, two tubular separation membranes 3 may be coupled with a joint tube interposed therebetween.

An inlet 9 for a fluid to be processed is formed through the outer circumferential surface of a lower portion of the housing 2, and an outlet 10 for the fluid to be processed is formed through the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion. The inlet 9 is formed so as to face the chamber 11 between the support box 5 and the first baffle 7. The outlet 10 is formed so as to face a chamber 12 above the second baffle 8. A fluid-processing chamber 13 is defined between the baffles 7 and 8. The fluid-processing chamber is also referred to below as a main chamber.

Rods 14 extend upward from the support box 5 in a bottom portion, and the baffles 7 and 8 are supported by the rods 14. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the number of the rods 14 disposed is 4, but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, 2 to 3 or 5 or more. An external thread is formed on the lower end of each rod 14 and is screwed along an internal thread of the support box 5. The baffles 7 and 8 are supported at predetermined heights by using sheath tubes 14A and 14B (FIG. 4 ) into which the rods 14 are fitted. The sheath tubes 14A are disposed between the support box 5 and the baffle 7. The sheath tubes 14B are disposed between the baffles 7 and 8. The baffle 8 is placed on the upper end surface of each sheath tube 14B and is secured by using a nut that is screwed at the upper end of each rod 14. A method of securing the baffles is not limited thereto, and rods 14A′ and 14B′ may be coupled and secured by using screws as in a rod 14′ illustrated in FIG. 10 . The number of the baffles is not limited by the embodiment, and three or more baffles, for example, may be used.

Seals such as O-rings, V-packings, or C-rings may be interposed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the baffles 7 and 8 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2 such that gas does not preferentially flow along an outer circumferential portion of the housing 2.

The baffles 7 and 8 have circular through-holes 7 a and 8 a into which the tubular separation membranes 3 are inserted, and coupling bodies of the tubular separation membranes 3, the end tubes 4, and the end plugs 20 are inserted in the through-holes 7 a and 8 a. The inner diameters of the through-holes 7 a and 5 a are larger than the diameters (the outer diameters) of the tubular separation membranes 3, the end tubes 4, and the end plugs 20, and gaps are formed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the through-holes 7 a and 8 a and the end tubes 4 and between the inner circumferential surfaces of the through-holes 7 a and 8 a and the outer circumferential surfaces of the end plugs 20 over the entire circumference.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 , the support box 5 includes a box body that has a top 5 t, a bottom 5 s, and a side surface 5 u and has a collection chamber 5 v for gas therein. A nozzle 5 n through which the gas in the collection chamber 5 v flows out is formed through the bottom 5 s. An extraction nozzle 6 n that is coupled with the nozzle 5 n with, for example, a flange joint and that serves as an extraction structure is formed so as to extend through the bottom cover 6A.

In the collection chamber 5 v, a deformation-preventing that prevents the support box 5 from deforming may be disposed. When differences in pressure between the main chamber 13 and the collection chamber 5 v, between the chamber 11 and the collection chamber 5 v, and between the backpressure chamber 16 and the collection chamber 5 v are large, the deformation-preventing can prevent the support box 5 from deforming. When the differences in pressure are 10 times or more although this depends on the size and throughput of the module, and the deformation-preventing structure is provided, the support box 5 can be effectively prevented from deforming.

The shape of the deformation-preventing structure may be any shape provided that the support box 5 can be prevented from deforming but is preferably a shape that connects the top 5 t and the bottom 5 s to each other such that the top 5 t and the bottom 5 s can be prevented from deforming. The deformation-preventing structure may be an elastic structure such as a columnar member or a spring. The deformation-preventing member is preferably a columnar member because the columnar member is typically easy to obtain. A section of the columnar member may be a solid section or a hollow section. A hollow deformation-preventing structure is lightweight and can effectively prevent compressive deformation. A solid deformation-preventing structure is easy to obtain. A sectional shape of the columnar member may be circular or rectangular. A circular shape is preferable because of ease of obtaining.

The deformation-preventing structure may be provided such that holes are formed on the lower surface of the top 5 t and the upper surface of the bottom 5 s, the upper end of the deformation-preventing structure is engaged with the hole of the top 5 t, and the lower end of the deformation-preventing structure is engaged with the hole of the bottom 5 s. An internal thread may be formed on an inner circumferential surface around a hole, an external thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of an end portion of a rod-like or tubular deformation-preventing structure, and the deformation-preventing structure may be screwed in the hole.

The support box 5 may include two or more parts in order to readily install the deformation-preventing structure. For example, the top 5 t or the bottom 5 s may be removable, or a portion near the top 5 t and a portion near the bottom 5 s may be equally divided. The two or more parts may be integrally formed by welding, may be integrally formed by fastening from the outside with flanges provided, or may be screwed together with an internal thread formed on the side surface in a direction from the top 5 t toward the bottom 5 s. In the case where the two or more parts are not welded, a gasket or an O-ring is preferably provided to ensure airtightness.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the support box that includes the deformation-preventing structures. A support box 5R is obtained by coupling an upper half body 5J and a lower half body 5L. A flange Se that is disposed on the lower edge of the upper half body 5J and a flange 5 f that is disposed on the upper edge of the lower half body 5L are stacked and coupled with each other. Deformation-preventing structures 5 r are disposed between the top 5 t and the bottom 5 s. The other components of the support box 5R are the same as those of the support box 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and like reference signs represent like components.

The projections 2 t on which the support box 5 is disposed as described above may be omitted. For example, a support (not illustrated) may extend upward from the bottom cover 6A, the support box 5 may be supported by the support in order to increase the strength of the support box 5. The support is preferably between the top 5 t and the bottom 5 s so as not to completely cover large holes 5 c, and the single support or multiple supports may be provided.

Insertion holes 5 a in which the lower ends of the end tubes 4 that are coupled with the tubular separation membranes 3 are inserted are formed on the top 5 t of the support box 5. Each insertion hole 5 a has a columnar shape and extends from the upper surface of the support box 5 to an intermediate position in a thickness direction. The bottoms of the insertion holes 5 a face the collection chamber 5 v with small holes 5 b and large holes 5 c interposed therebetween (or there may be only the small holes Sb without the large holes Sc).

Gaskets (not illustrated) are interposed between the lower end surfaces of the end tubes 4 and the bottoms of the insertion holes Sa. Alternatively, O-rings (not illustrated) are interposed between the side surfaces of the end tubes 4 and side surfaces around the insertion holes 5 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , tube holes 4 a of the end tubes 4 are in communication with the collection chamber 5 v with the small holes 5 b and the large holes Sc interposed therebetween. Joints between the end tubes 4 and the tubular separation membranes 3 are sealed by using gaskets, O-rings, or thermal shrink tubes.

The end plugs 20 are coupled with the upper ends of the tubular separation membranes 3. The end plugs 20 have a columnar shape or a shape obtained by cutting the columnar shape and seal the upper ends of the tubular separation membranes 3. Small-diameter portions that are inserted in the tubular separation membranes 3 are disposed at the lower ends of the end plugs 20. Spaces between the end plugs 20 and the tubular separation membranes 3 are sealed by gaskets or O-rings. The spaces between the end plugs 20 and the tubular separation membranes 3 may be sealed by using thermal shrink tubes although an illustration thereof is omitted.

According to the present invention, the end tubes 4 and the support box 5 may be disposed near the upper ends of the tubular separation membranes 3, and the end plugs 20 may be disposed near the lower ends of the tubular separation membranes 3.

In the separation membrane module 1, the fluid to be processed is introduced into the chamber 11 of the housing 2 via the inlet 9, passes through gaps between inner circumferential surfaces around through-holes 7 a of the baffle 7 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the end tubes 4, flows into the main chamber 13, passes through the main chamber 13, subsequently passes through gaps between the through-holes 8 a of the baffle 8 and the end plugs 20, and flows out to the chamber 12. While the fluid to be processed flows through the main chamber 13, a component part therein permeates through the tubular separation membranes 3 and is extracted from inside of the tubular separation membranes 3 via the collection chamber 5 v and the nozzles 5 n and 6 n. The fluid that has not permeated flows out of the outlet 10 to outside the separation membrane module 1.

According to the embodiment, the backpressure chamber 16 and the chamber 11 are in communication with each other via the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the support box 5 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2, and there is no difference in pressure between the chambers, or the difference is very small. Accordingly, a bending load that is applied to the support box 5 is very small. In addition, there is no need for a part that seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the support box 5 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2.

The direction of flow in the main chamber 13 and the direction of flow in the tubular separation membranes 3 may be the same or may be opposite, and the inlet 9 and the outlet 10 for the fluid to be processed may be replaced with each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the separation membrane module 1 may be used with the top cover 6B facing upward or may be used with the bottom cover 6A facing upward. The separation membrane module 1 may be used so as to be installed sideways such that a direction in which the bottom cover 6A and the top cover 6B are connected to each other is substantially horizontal.

According to the embodiment, a large number of the tubular separation membranes 3 are installed so as to be parallel to each other, and a membrane area is large. Accordingly, membrane separation is efficiently performed.

According to the embodiment, the end tubes 4 and the end plugs 20 that are coupled with the upper and lower ends of the tubular separation membranes 3 are inserted in the through-holes 7 a and 8 a of the baffles 7 and 8. For this reason, even when the tubular separation membranes 3 vibrate or swing, and the end tubes 4 and the end plugs 20 come into contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the through-holes 7 a and 8 a, zeolite membranes are not damaged, and operation can stably continue for a long period of time.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 .

As for a separation membrane module 1A according to the embodiment, tubular separation membrane units 30 and 31 are disposed in the housing 2. The tubular separation membrane unit 30 includes the support box 5, the end tubes 4, the tubular separation membranes 3, the end plugs 20, the baffles 7 and 8, and the rods 14 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 .

The tubular separation membrane unit 31 is almost the same as the tubular separation membrane unit 30 but differs in that a communication nozzle 5 i that serves as a connection extends upward from the center of the top 5 t of the support box 5. The upper end of the communication nozzle 5 i extends to a position higher than that of the baffle 8 of the tubular separation membrane unit 31, and the upper end thereof is coupled with the lower end of the nozzle 5 n of the tubular separation membrane unit 30 by using, for example, a screw joint or a flange joint.

Gaps through which an upper chamber and a lower chamber are in communication with each other and gas can flow are formed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the support boxes 5 of the tubular separation membrane units 30 and 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2.

The other components of the separation membrane module 1A are the same as those of the separation membrane module 1, and like reference signs represent like components. Also, in the separation membrane module 1A, the fluid to be processed flows into the housing 2 via the inlet 9, a specific component permeates through the tubular separation membranes 3, and a non-permeated fluid flows out via the outlet 10. Gas that has permeated through the tubular separation membranes 3 of the lower tubular separation membrane unit 31 flows into the collection chamber 5 v in the support box 5 of the tubular separation membrane unit 31 and is extracted via the nozzles 5 n and 5 i. Gas that has permeated through the tubular separation membranes 3 of the upper tubular separation membrane unit 30 flows into the collection chamber 5 v of the support box 5 of the tubular separation membrane unit 30, flows into the collection chamber 5 v in the support box 5 of the lower tubular separation membrane unit 31 via the nozzles 5 n and 5 i, and is extracted via the nozzles 5 n and 6 n.

As for the separation membrane module 1A, the length of the housing 2 can be increased, and the tubular separation membrane units can be disposed in the housing 2. In FIG. 5 , the single tubular separation membrane unit 30 and the single tubular separation membrane unit 31 are illustrated. However, the tubular separation membrane units 31 may be coupled with each other in up-and-down multistage arrangement, and the tubular separation membrane unit 30 may be coupled with the top portion. Alternatively, the tubular separation membrane units 31 may be coupled with each other in up-and-down multistage arrangement, and the nozzle 5 i at the top stage may be sealed by using, for example, a cap or a flange. This enables components to be the units that have the same structure and enables costs to be reduced.

In the case where the tubular separation membrane units are installed in the vertical direction, the upper tubular separation membrane unit is supported by the lower tubular separation membrane unit. In this case, however, a bearing that prevents the tubular separation membrane units from inclining or swinging from side to side may be provided. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate an example thereof in which bearings 40 extend in radial directions from one or both of the nozzles 5 n and 5 i (both in the case of FIG. 6 ). The bearings 40 include rods 41, base ends of which are mounted on the nozzles 5 n and 5 i, ball holders 42 on ends of the rods 41, and rolling structures such as balls 43 that are held by the ball holders 42 and that are capable of rolling. The rods 41 include elastic structures such as springs (not illustrated), and the ball holders 42 are urged in the radial directions. Consequently, the balls 43 are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2, and the nozzles 5 n and 5 i are held at the position of the axis of the housing 2. When the tubular separation membrane units 30 and 31 are taken out or put into the housing 2, the balls 43 roll along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2. FIG. 7 illustrates a section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 illustrates a section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 7 .

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the balls 43 are used. However, rollers may be used.

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the base ends of the rods 41 are directly mounted on the nozzles 5 n and 5 i. However, as illustrated in FIG. 11 a and FIG. 11 b , a tubular boss 40B may be mounted on the nozzle 5 n (or 5 i), and the rods 41 may be mounted on the boss 40B. An example of a method of securing the boss 40B to the nozzle 5 n (or 5 i) involves forming a tapped hole in the boss 40B and securing the boss 40B by using a screw 40N from the outside of the boss 40B. A flange portion and a joint portion that are installed on a nozzle end portion are preferably removable by, for example, screwing in order to facilitate mounting and removing of the boss 40B.

In the case where the separation membrane module 1 is installed sideways such that the direction in which the bottom cover 6A and the top cover 6B are connected to each other is substantially horizontal, a dispersion plate or the support box 5 of a bundle (a combination of, for example, the separation membranes, the end tubes, and the support box) that is inserted in the housing 2 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 2 in some cases. The heavier the bundle, the more the frictional force of the contact. This makes it difficult to push the bundle therein in some cases.

In view of this, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , a base plate 45 may be mounted on the nozzle 5 n (or 5 i), and the rods 41 may be mounted on the base plate 45. The rods 41 may be omitted, and the ball holders 42 may be directly disposed on the base plate 45. The thicknesses of the rods that support the weight of the bundle can be decreased by decreasing the lengths of the rods 41. Even when the bundle rotates during insertion of the bundle into the housing 2, the balls can always be located between the bundle and the housing 2 by increasing the number of the ball holders 42, and this facilitates the insertion.

According to the present invention, a tubular body 50 that surrounds the tubular separation membrane unit 31 may be disposed so as to be along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2, a baffle 51 may be supported on the upper end of the tubular body 50, the nozzle 5 i may be inserted in a center hole Sla of the baffle 51, and the upper portion of the nozzle 5 i may be supported by the baffle 51 as in a separation membrane module 1B in FIG. 9 . The outer circumferential surface of the support box 5 and the outer circumferential surface of the baffle 51 are slightly spaced from or are in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2. The baffle 51 has a large number of openings 51 b that extend from the top to the bottom thereof. A layer composed of a slidable material such as fluorine resin is preferably disposed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the support box 5 and the baffle 51 in order to decrease resistance when the bundle is inserted. The lower end of the tubular body 50 is in contact with the upper surface of the baffle 7.

The other components in FIG. 9 are the same as those in FIG. 5 , and like reference signs represent like components.

According to the embodiment described above, the chambers 11 and 16 are in communication with each other via the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the support and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. A communication portion such as a pipe via which the chambers 11 and 16 are in communication with each other may be disposed in the housing 2. Alternatively, the top 5 t and the bottom 5 s may be coupled with each other by using a single pipe or pipes.

Preferred materials of the end tubes 4, the end plugs 20, and the tubular separation membranes 3 that are included in a separation membrane module according to the present invention will now be described.

Examples of the materials of the end tubes 4 and the end plugs 20 include a material through which the fluid does not permeate such as metal or ceramics, but are not limited thereto. The materials of the baffles 7, 8, and 51, and a joint tube 17 are typically a metal material such as stainless steel but are not particularly limited provided that the material has resistance against a supply or permeation component and heat resistance in separation conditions and can be replaced with another material such as a resin material depending on use.

Each tubular separation membrane 3 preferably includes a tubular porous support and a zeolite membrane that serves as an inorganic separation membrane that is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the porous support. As for the material of the tubular porous support, an inorganic porous support composed of a sintered metal body or a sintered ceramic body containing silica, α-alumina, γ-alumina, mullite, zirconia, titania, yttria, silicon nitride, or silicon carbide is taken as an example. Among these, an inorganic porous support containing at least one selected from alumina, silica, and mullite. The average diameter of narrow holes on the surface of the porous support is not particularly limited but is preferably controlled and is in the range of typically 0.02 μm or more, preferably 0.05 μm or more, more preferably 0.1 μm or more, and typically 20 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or less.

Zeolite is crystalized on the surface of the porous support and the zeolite membrane is formed.

The main zeolite of which the zeolite membrane is composed includes zeolite that typically has an oxygen 6-to-10-membered ring structure and preferably includes zeolite that has an oxygen 6-to-8-membered ring structure.

The value of n of the zeolite that has an oxygen n-membered rings described herein represents the maximum number of oxygen atoms in the narrow holes composed of T elements and oxygen for forming a zeolite framework. For example, in the case where there are narrow holes of oxygen 12-membered rings and oxygen 8-membered rings as in MOR zeolite, this is regarded as zeolite of oxygen 12-membered rings.

Examples of the zeolite that has an oxygen 6-to-10-membered ring structure include AEI, AEL, AFG, ANA, BRE, CAS, CDO, CHA, DAC, DDR, DOH, EAB, EPI, ESV, EUO, FAR, FRA, FER, GIS, GIU, GOO, HEU, IMF, ITE, ITH, KFI, LEV, LIO, LOS, LTN, MAR, MEP, MER, MEL, MFI, MFS, MON, MSO, MTF, MTN, MTT, MWW, NAT, NES, NON, PAU, PHI, RHO, RRO, RTE, RTH, RUT, SGT, SOD, STF, STI, STT, TER, TOL, TON, TSC, TUN, UFI, VNI, VSV, WEI, and YUG.

The zeolite membrane may be a membrane composed of zeolite alone, a membrane that is formed by dispersing powder of the zeolite in a binder such as a polymer, or a zeolite membrane composite obtained by bonding zeolite to various kinds of supports in a membrane form. A part of the zeolite membrane may contain an amorphous component.

The thickness of the zeolite membrane is not particularly limited but is typically 0.1 μm or more, preferably 0.6 μm or more, more preferably 1.0 μm or more, and is typically 1(0) μm or less, preferably 60 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or less.

According to the present invention, however, a tubular separation membrane that includes a separation membrane other than the zeolite membrane may be used.

The outer diameter of each tubular separation membrane 3 is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 6 mm or more, further preferably 10 mm or more, and is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 18 mm or less, further preferably 16 mm or less. In some cases where the outer diameter is too small, the tubular separation membrane has insufficient strength and is easy to break. If the outer diameter is too large, then the membrane area per module decreases.

The length of a portion of each tubular separation membrane 3 that is covered by the zeolite membrane is preferably 20 cm or more and is preferably 200 cm or less.

In a separation membrane module according to the present invention, the tubular separation membranes may be single-tube membranes or multi-tube membranes, 1 to 3000 tubular separation membranes, particularly, 50 to 2000 tubular separation membranes are typically provided, and the tubular separation membranes are preferably arranged such that the minimum distance therebetween is 1 mm to 10 mm. The size of the housing and the number of the tubular separation membranes are appropriately changed depending on the amount of the fluid to be processed. The tubular separation membranes may not be coupled by using the joint tube 17. In the description with reference to the drawings, the separation membrane module 1 is vertically installed but may be used with the separation membrane module 1 installed sideways or diagonally.

The fluid to be processed that is a target for separation or concentration in a separation membrane module according to the present invention is not particularly limited provided that the fluid is a gas or liquid mixture that contains components that can be separated or concentrated by using the separation membranes and may be any mixture. The separation membrane module, however, is preferably used for a gas mixture.

A separation or concentration method called a pervaporation method, or a vapor permeation method can be used for the separation or the concentration. The pervaporation method is a separation or concentration method in which a liquid mixture is introduced into each separation membrane as it is and can facilitate a process including the separation or the concentration.

In the case where the mixture to be separated or concentrated according to the present invention is a gas mixture containing components, examples of the gas mixture include a mixture that contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, normal butane, isobutane, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, aromatic compounds such as toluene, sulfur hexafluoride, helium, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, and water. A gas component that has high permeance in mixtures containing these gas components permeates through each separation membrane and is separated. A gas component that has low permeance is concentrated toward a supply gas.

Separation membrane modules according to the present invention can be coupled with each other and used depending on the amount of the fluid, the target degree of the separation or the target degree of the concentration. In the case where the amount of the fluid is large, or in the case where the target degree of the separation or the target degree of the concentration is high, and the process cannot be performed by a single module, a pipe is preferably connected and used such that the fluid that exits the outlet enters the entrance of another module. The target degree of the separation or the target degree of the concentration can be achieved by additional coupling of module depending on the degree of the separation or the degree of the concentration.

Separation membrane modules according to the present invention may be installed in parallel, the fluid may be split, and the gas may be supplied. In this case, modules can be installed in series with the respective modules that are installed in parallel. In the case where the modules are installed in parallel and in series, the amount of the supply gas decreases in the series direction, and linear velocity decreases. Accordingly, the number of the modules that are installed in parallel is preferably decreased to ensure appropriate linear velocity.

In the case where the modules are arranged in series, the component that has permeated through the modules may be discharged from the respective modules or may be discharged after the component is collected with the modules coupled.

The present invention is described in detail by using a specific aspect. However, it is clear for a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the intention and scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1, 1A, 1B separation membrane module     -   2 housing     -   2 a, 2 b flange     -   2 t support     -   3 tubular separation membrane     -   4 end tube     -   4 a tube hole     -   5, 5R support box (support)     -   5J upper half body     -   5L lower half body     -   5 a insertion hole     -   5 b small hole     -   5 c large hole     -   5 i, 5 n nozzle     -   5 r deformation-preventing member     -   5 s bottom     -   5 t top     -   5 u side surface     -   5 v collection chamber     -   6A bottom cover     -   6B top cover     -   6 b, 6 c flange     -   6 n nozzle     -   7, 8 baffle     -   7 a, 8 a through-hole     -   9 inlet     -   10 outlet     -   11, 12 chamber     -   13 main chamber (fluid-processing chamber)     -   14 rod     -   14A, 14B sheath tube     -   16 backpressure chamber     -   20 end plug     -   30, 31 tubular separation membrane unit     -   40 bearing     -   41 rod     -   42 ball holder     -   43 ball     -   45 base plate     -   17 coupling rod     -   50 tubular body     -   51 baffle     -   51 a center hole     -   51 b opening 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A separation membrane module, comprising: a tubular housing having a first housing end and a second housing end, and comprising a first and a second tubular separation membrane extending longitudinally from the first housing end to the second housing end within the tubular housing; a top cover, longitudinally outermost at the first housing end; a bottom cover, longitudinally outermost at the second housing end; a collection chamber, within the tubular housing at the second housing end, in communication with an inside of each of the tubular separation membranes, and comprising an outlet to outside of the tubular housing; a support box, at the second housing end longitudinally beyond the collection chamber, defining an end of each tubular separation membrane, the support box resting on a support arranged within the housing; and a backpressure chamber, within the tubular housing at the second housing end, defined between the bottom cover and the support box, wherein a fluid to be processed flowing through a fluid-processing chamber inside the housing in a direction from one end toward another end of the chamber, the fluid having permeated through the tubular separation membranes being retrieved via the tubular separation membranes, and wherein insides of the backpressure chamber and the fluid-processing chamber are in fluid communication.
 2. The module of claim 1, wherein the communication comprises a gap between an outer circumferential surface of the support and an inner circumferential surface of the housing.
 3. The module of claim 2, comprising three or more tubular separation membrane units disposed in the tubular housing, each unit comprising the support and the tubular separation membranes, the tubular separation membranes being connected to the support, and wherein the collection chamber of the tubular separation membrane unit nearest to the backpressure chamber is communicated to the collection chamber of the other tubular separation membrane unit via a connection.
 4. The module of claim 3, wherein the connection comprise nozzle that extends from the support.
 5. The module of claim 4, wherein at least one of the nozzle extends from each support, and wherein a first nozzle of the first tubular separation membrane unit and a second nozzle of a second tubular separation membrane unit, adjacent to the first nozzle, are coupled with each other.
 6. The module of claim 1, further comprising: a bearing configured to bear the nozzle on the inner circumferential surface of the housing.
 7. The module of claim 5, wherein the bearing comprises a ball and/or roller that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing and that is capable of rolling.
 8. The module of claim 7, wherein the ball and/or roller is elastically pressed against the inner circumferential surface.
 9. The module of claim 1, wherein in the collection chamber comprises, disposed in the collection chamber, posts configured to prevent deformation of the support.
 10. The module of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber is defined by two or more parts.
 11. The module of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber is defined by a support box comprising a top or a bottom that is removable.
 12. The module of claim 1, wherein the co lection chamber is defined by a support box comprising a portion near the top and a portion near the bottom, divided from each other.
 13. The module of claim 12, wherein the collection chamber is defined by an upper half body and the lower half body that are equally divided. 